How facilities managers are protecting against climate risks

“As companies strive to maintain their people’s health and comfort through increasing temperatures, systems maintenance will become increasingly critical,” says Harris Karim, Senior Sustainability Product Director at JLL. AI tools such as Hank, which continuously optimizes HVAC equipment, potentially reducing energy consumption and costs by 20%, are also helping.

In flood-prone regions where heavy water infiltration can damage basement equipment, companies are relocating critical systems or adding sump pumps, installing flood doors and upgraded drainage systems. New York’s Hudson Yards development, for example, can collect nearly 10 million gallons of stormwater every year from roofs and plazas and use it for watering its green spaces.

In contrast, in water-scarce regions where dry, contracting soil can impact building foundations, damage pipes, misalign floors and impact biodiversity efforts, smart irrigation systems and water recycling are coming into greater focus.

More companies are also re-evaluating water use in their operations. For example, South-African based Firmenich implemented water-efficient plumbing to use 84% less water in lavatories in its Johannesburg headquarters, as well as a rainwater harvesting system to reduce reliance on municipal water.

“Facilities managers are more cognizant of the need to manage energy and water consumption efficiently, driven by rising utility costs, occupier demands for reporting, and the growing importance of resource management in the face of climate change,” says Rose.

Collaboration is another key element in climate risk planning – and not just between facilities managers and building owners.

Strong partnerships with building health and safety teams, local jurisdictions and first responders are essential for ensuring rapid action during and after extreme weather events. “Collaboration with local agencies significantly enhances preparedness and response effectiveness,” says Whittaker.

Strengthening resiliency in large corporate campuses can also support municipal emergency planning. For example, in Portland, Oregon, which lies on an earthquake fault line, a large corporate headquarters serves as an emergency evacuation hub.

“Following Hurricane Sandy, there’s been a significant push for resiliency in large campuses, with growing expectations for them to maintain water and energy availability through natural disasters,” says Rose.